Iron reacts with oxygen to produce iron oxide (rust). This reaction is represented in an equation as 4Fe + xO2 → 2Fe2O3. Identify the value of x that will balance the equation.

Question

Physics

Edith Barrera

3 August, 15:51

Iron reacts with oxygen to produce iron oxide (rust). This reaction is represented in an equation as 4Fe + xO2 → 2Fe2O3. Identify the value of x that will balance the equation.

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Answers (1)

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Brayan Ward · Answer 1

The value of x will be " 3 ".

Explanation:

The iron reacts with moist air and leads to formation of reddish brown layer on its surface that is rust.

It is corrosion but in case of iron is called as "rust ".

The conditions necessary for rusting is:

Moisture Air

When iron comes in contact with moist air rusting occurs.

The chemical formula of rust is; Fe₂O₃. x H₂O

The overall reaction can be represented as:

4 Fe + xO₂-->2 Fe₂O₃

we also know that, mass in any chemical reaction cant be created nor be destroyed, it remains conserved. So, in accordance with Law of conservation of mass we balance the equation.

Therefore, to balance oxygen we need to multiply it with 3 so as to equalize 6 moles on both sides.